Palestinians commenced their fast for the holy month of Ramadan amidst halted cease-fire negotiations, exacerbated hunger in Gaza, and the ongoing 5-month conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Amidst demolished buildings, prayers took place outside, adorned with fairy lights and decorations in crowded tent camps. A video from a U.N.-school-turned-shelter depicted children celebrating amidst foam spray and dancing, while a man sang over a loudspeaker.
Despite the usual festive feasts, families faced a somber reality with over 30,000 Palestinian casualties and Gaza in ruins. Even where food is available, limited options and soaring prices rendered it inaccessible to many.
Efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to broker a cease-fire ahead of the festive period stalled, as Hamas demanded guarantees for an agreement leading to an end to the conflict, a release of hostages, and the influx of humanitarian aid.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas’s demand for a cease-fire, vowing to continue the offensive until achieving “total victory” against the militant group and securing the release of all remaining hostages.
Netanyahu claimed the killing of a senior Hamas leader, implying further targeted killings. The assassination likely referred to Saleh Arouri, Hamas’s deputy political head, killed in January in Beirut.
U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both parties to honor Ramadan’s spirit by halting hostilities and releasing hostages, emphasizing the urgent need for action to prevent more casualties.
The conflict erupted when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel in October, resulting in over 1,200 deaths, mostly civilians, and approximately 250 hostages. Hamas still holds around 100 captives and the remains of 30 others.
The war displaced 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, with hundreds of thousands facing famine. Health officials reported at least 25 deaths from malnutrition and dehydration, mainly children, in northern Gaza.
Israeli restrictions, ongoing hostilities, and the breakdown of law and order impeded the safe delivery of food aid, especially in the north. Israel plans to expand its offensive to Rafah, despite concerns over civilian safety.
President Joe Biden labeled an attack on Rafah a “red line” while continuing military aid to Israel. The U.S. initiated aid drops, but humanitarian groups deem them insufficient, advocating for more substantial efforts.
Gaza’s Health Ministry reported over 31,000 Palestinian casualties, including 67 in the past 24 hours. The civilian toll is disputed, with Israel attributing it to Hamas’s use of civilian areas for combat.
Biden emphasized Israel’s right to respond to attacks but urged Netanyahu to minimize civilian casualties, highlighting the humanitarian cost of the conflict.
